Overview

Embark on an awe-inspiring 9-day trekking adventure through the majestic landscapes of Tibet, starting from Lhasa, journeying through the historical Ganden Monastery, traversing rugged terrains to the ancient Samye Monastery, and finally returning to Lhasa. This trek offers an unparalleled experience of Tibetan culture, stunning vistas, and spiritual enlightenment. Prepare for an unforgettable journey that blends scenic beauty with cultural immersion.

Highlights

Stunning Scenery: The trek offers breathtaking views of the Tibetan Plateau, with vast open landscapes, snow-capped mountains, and serene valleys.
Ganden Monastery: The trek begins at the historic Ganden Monastery, one of the “Great Three” Gelug monasteries in Tibet, known for its rich history, spiritual significance, and incredible mountain views.
Rugged Terrain: Experience a mix of high-altitude desert landscapes, rocky paths, and traditional Tibetan villages along the route, offering a true sense of Tibet’s natural beauty.
Breathtaking Mountain Views: Along the trek, you’ll encounter stunning views of the Himalayas and surrounding mountain ranges, providing a scenic backdrop to the journey.
Tibetan Culture and Villages: Pass through remote Tibetan villages, giving you the chance to interact with local nomads and experience traditional Tibetan culture.
Samye Monastery: The trek ends at the Samye Monastery, Tibet’s first Buddhist monastery, which dates back to the 8th century and features unique architecture and historical importance.
Spiritual Significance: Both Ganden and Samye monasteries are important pilgrimage sites for Tibetan Buddhists, adding a spiritual dimension to the trek.
Moderate Difficulty: The trek is considered moderate, making it suitable for trekkers with a reasonable level of fitness, with the chance to acclimatize at various points along the way.
Wildlife and Flora: Along the route, you may spot Tibetan wildlife, such as yaks, and witness a variety of high-altitude flora unique to the region.
Peaceful Environment: The trek offers a peaceful and meditative environment, allowing trekkers to immerse themselves in the tranquility of the Tibetan wilderness.

Itinerary

Highlights: Rest and acclimatization
Meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. Spend the day resting and acclimatizing to the high altitude. There will be no sightseeing today, allowing you to adjust to the environment. Drink plenty of water and take it easy to ensure a smooth acclimatization to the high-altitude conditions.
Overnight Hotel in Lhasa

Highlights: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Tibetan Tea House
After a restful night, enjoy your first day of sightseeing in Lhasa. Visit the iconic Potala Palace, the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama, and explore Jokhang Temple, Tibet’s most sacred Buddhist site. Walk around Barkhor Street, a bustling area filled with Tibetan pilgrims and vendors selling local goods. Later in the afternoon, visit a traditional Tibetan tea house where you can taste Tibetan butter tea or sweet Tibetan tea, and enjoy a glimpse into local life.
Overnight Hotel in Lhasa [B]

Highlights: Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, Tibetan Family Visit
Today, visit Drepung Monastery, the largest monastic complex in Tibet, and Sera Monastery renowned for its debates held by monks. Afterward, engage in a home visit with a local Tibetan family. This is a unique opportunity to interact with local Tibetans and hear their stories.
Overnight Hotel in Lhasa [B]

Highlights: Ganden Monastery, breathtaking mountain views
Distance covered: approx. 50km
After breakfast, drive to Ganden Monastery, one of the “Three Great Monasteries of Tibet.” Perched on a mountain ridge, the monastery offers sweeping views of the surrounding valleys and peaks. This is where your trek begins, taking you through scenic Tibetan landscapes. Spend the night at a campsite in the valley, getting ready for the next day’s adventure into the wilderness.
Overnight camp at Yama Do (4,500m). [B+L+D]

Highlights: Tibetan highlands, scenic trekking
Distance Covered: approx. 14 km
Today, begin your trek from Yama Do, heading through rugged mountain terrain with fantastic views of the surrounding valleys. The trek is steady but rewarding, taking you through traditional Tibetan landscapes, past yak herder camps and wildflower-filled meadows. Arrive at Tsotup Chu Valley, where you’ll set up camp for the night.
Overnight Camp by the river in the Tsotup Chu Valley [B+L+D]

Highlights: Nomadic lifestyle, stunning valley views
Distance Covered: approx. 13 km
The trek continues deeper into the Tibetan Plateau. The trail winds through alpine meadows and high-altitude valleys, with opportunities to spot local wildlife, including Tibetan yaks and sheep. You will visit a traditional herder’s camp where you can see how Tibetan nomads live in the remote regions.
Overnight at Herder’s Camp and enjoy interact with local nomads if they are present [B+L+D]

Highlights: Yamalung Hermitage, beautiful mountain vistas
Distance Covered: approx. 12 km
Today, continue your trek towards Yamalung Hermitage, a spiritual retreat located high on a cliff. The journey will be challenging but rewarding, with breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and deep valleys. Yamalung Hermitage is an important site for Tibetan Buddhism and offers a serene atmosphere perfect for reflection and relaxation.
Overnight Camp near the Samye Valley, enjoying the lower altitude and warmer temperatures [B+L+D]

Highlights: Samye Monastery, return to Lhasa
Trek Distance Covered: approx. 18 km
On the final day of trekking, head to Samye Monastery, one of Tibet’s most revered religious sites. Founded in the 8th century, it is known for its unique architecture and historical significance in Tibetan Buddhism. After exploring the monastery, return to Lhasa by vehicle, completing your trek. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local Tibetan restaurant to celebrate your incredible journey.
Overnight Hotel in Lhasa for a well-deserved rest [B+L]

Highlights: Last views of Lhasa, departure
On your final day, take some time to relax and reflect on your journey. Depending on your departure time, you may have the opportunity to visit a few last-minute sites or do some souvenir shopping. Transfer to the airport or train station for your onward journey, carrying with you the memories of your remarkable trek through Tibet. [B]

Price Details

For a private tour, you can travel on any dates that work best for you — unlike the fixed departures of group tours. Our private tour price varies depending on group size, travel season etc. For reference, the $1,559/person rate is based on 4 travelers in low season. For other group sizes or season dates, please contact us for a custom quote👉

Include:

Accommodation in a 3-star hotel in Lhasa, guesthouses and camping during the trek
All necessary Tibet travel permits
A Professional Tibetan English-speaking tour guide
All entrance fees to the sites and monuments as mentioned in the itinerary
One private vehicle and one experienced driver to and from the trekking starting / ending point
Breakfasts at hotels and all meals during the trek
Camping equipment incl. tents, sleeping bags, mats
Cooking equipment incl. stove, pots, clean water, utensil
Pack animals (yak or horse) and/or porters for carrying equipment and supplies
Oxygen and first aid kit for emergency use
Accident / casualty Insurance

Not Include:

International and domestic flights / trains
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Tips for guide and driver
Personal expenses like snacks, drinks etc.
Other expenses not mentioned in the above including list

Our Services Guarantee:

We pride ourselves on transparency. There are no hidden fees or surprise charges during your trip.

If you need to cancel your trip for any reason, we offer a full refund if the cancellation is made at least 3 months before the departure date.

As a trusted and experienced travel company, we have no difficulty in obtaining all the necessary Tibet travel permits for you. We guarantee that there will be no failure in securing your permits due to any fault on our part. Rest assured, you won’t need to worry about any documentation from our side.

Whenever possible, we strive to offer complimentary hotel upgrades to enhance your comfort and overall experience.

We ensure that all transportation, accommodations, and activities meet the highest safety and health standards in Tibet, including measures for altitude sickness prevention.

Your tour guide and driver will be available 24/7 for support and assistance during the whole trip.